Tracking Microplasticsin Paradise: First Evidenceof Pollution in Lencois Maranhenses National Park (Maranhao,Brazil), a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Élida
Priscila Bogéa Carvalho (21470451); Wesley Rodrigues Soares (21470454); Rafaela Ribeiro
de Brito (21470457); Bárbara
Beatriz da Silva Nunes (21470460); Aline Sueli de
Lima Rodrigues (21470463); Ariane Guimarães (21470466); Giuliano Buzá Jacobucci (21470469); Letícia
Paiva de Matos (21470472); Abraão Tiago Batista Guimarães (21470475); Alex Rodrigues Gomes (21470478); Neuciane Dias Barbosa (21470481); Estefan Monteiro Fonseca (21470484); Thiarlen Marinho
da Luz (21470487); Guilherme Malafaia (4894246)

doi:10.1021/acsestwater.5c00051.s001

0

Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Gut & Microbiome Marine & Wildlife Policy & Risk Remediation Sign in to save

Tracking Microplasticsin Paradise: First Evidenceof Pollution in Lencois Maranhenses National Park (Maranhao,Brazil), a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Figshare 2025

Élida Priscila Bogéa Carvalho (21470451), Wesley Rodrigues Soares (21470454), Rafaela Ribeiro de Brito (21470457), Bárbara Beatriz da Silva Nunes (21470460), Aline Sueli de Lima Rodrigues (21470463), Ariane Guimarães (21470466), Giuliano Buzá Jacobucci (21470469), Letícia Paiva de Matos (21470472), Abraão Tiago Batista Guimarães (21470475), Alex Rodrigues Gomes (21470478), Neuciane Dias Barbosa (21470481), Estefan Monteiro Fonseca (21470484), Thiarlen Marinho da Luz (21470487), Guilherme Malafaia (4894246)

Summary

Researchers conducted the first assessment of microplastic pollution in the Lencois Maranhenses National Park in Brazil, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study documented the presence, characteristics, and potential sources of microplastics in this vulnerable ecosystem, establishing baseline contamination data for the protected area.

Study Type Environmental

Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing environmental threat to vulnerable ecosystems, including the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (LMNP), a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. This study provides the first assessment of MP presence, characteristics, and potential sources in this region. A total of 92 sand sediment samples was collected along 95.3 km of beaches across three zones: inside the LMNP (area 1), adjacent to the park (area 2), and a more distant coastal zone (area 3). Samples underwent flotation, filtration, and chemical digestion, and MPs were characterized by morphology and composition. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to explore associations between environmental factors and MP concentrations, while dispersion modeling based on ocean currents and wind patterns identified likely transport routes. MPs in the LMNP exhibited high variability in size, color, and polymer types, including uncommon materials like poly(ether–ether–ketone) (PEEK). PCA results indicated a strong influence of anthropogenic drivers, especially proximity to urban areas and tourism. Area 2 emerged as a key MP source. Spectral analysis revealed chemical similarities between MPs from areas 1 and 2, corroborating modeled transport connections. These findings offer critical baseline data for MP pollution in LMNP and inform future conservation and waste management strategies.

Read via DOI

Share this paper

Post Share Share Pin Email